Hey there! Here are some helpful resources that should complement what you learned in my VidCon session Video Production Shortcuts.
If you’d like, you can download the slide deck from the presentation. You can also take a peek at my outline.
If you have any questions, send me a DM on Instagram (or tweet me, if that’s more your style)
Scripting and Research
- Notion – this is the tool I use to facilitate the entire video production process. It helps me with research, organizing all the video’s details, writing the script, and even the editing and publishing process.
- My Notion Video Project Template – this is a sample version of the project template I use in Notion. For each new video, I use Notion’s template engine to create a new instance of this project. Then I start adding that video’s details. Here’s a tutorial on how to use their templating tools – if you want to use my template, I’d recommend creating a template, and replicating my project to your standards within the template content block.
Studio Automation
This is some of the gear I use to cut down on the time it takes to record video footage. (These are not affiliate links)
- GorillaPod Tripod Head – I keep these on every single tripod/camera mount that I own. Instead of taking 30 seconds to screw a camera onto a tripod’s mounting plate, these let me instantly snap a camera on or off of a tripod.
- Kasa Smart Plug Mini – a wall outlet add-on that can be turned on and off remotely. There’s an app, as well as an Alexa integration (which is what I use). All of my lights, as well as my audio recording device, are plugged into these. In the Alexa app, I’ve created a group that contains them all. This allows me to say, “Alexa, turn on video set,” and have all the lights and audio recording gear turn on (or off) at once.
- Echo Dot – the Alexa device I use to enable voice-activation in my studio. You could also simply use the free Kasa app that controls the smart plugs.
- Sound Devices MixPre-3 – the audio recorder I use for my videos. I’ll be honest; this thing is expensive. However, it’s the best solution I’ve found for recording studio-quality audio (recorded on a Rode NTG4+ shotgun mic) directly into the camera. This means I no longer have to sync audio in post; my high-quality audio is baked right into the video files.
Also:
- My overhead filming setup – a more in-depth look at how I build an overhead rig that can actually be folded up and put away.
- Cinestyle color profile for Canon cameras – not really an automation tool, but I get a lot of questions on my color grading. This is the color profile I use to get it.
Editing
- Red Giant Universe – lots of useful effects and transitions I use in my videos.
- FX Console – best After Effects plugin in existence.
- Flow – easing curve automation
- JC Animation Creator – quickly build lots of easy in-and-out animations
- Motion 2 – many of my animation-reliant YouTuber friends swear by this. I mainly use it for quickly setting anchor point locations.
- True Comp Duplicator – in native AE, duplicating a composition (such as one of your templates) doesn’t make copies of any comps INSIDE it. The duplicated comp will just reference the originals – useless if you want to change them on a per-instance basis. This plugin TRULY duplicates comps, including any nested comps. An invaluable plugin if you create and use AE templates.
- Frame.io – if you work with an editor and you’re not in the same room, this is essentially a must-use.
P.S. – Are You an Editor or Animator?
I’m in the process of hiring and editor/animator for my main channel Thomas Frank.
If you have experience with either (or both):
- Video editing in Premiere (as well as working with sound effects or background music – those are plusses)
- Animation in After Effects
…and you’re up for a new project, feel free to apply here!